Waerenskjold wins fastest ever Tour de France stage

Norwegian Soren Waerenskjold launched a long-range sprint to claim victory at the Tour de France on Wednesday in the fastest stage in the race’s history.

Dutchman Olav Kooij, who won the fifth stage, took second at the end of the 161km 11th stage from Vichy to Nevers with Belgian Milan Fretin promoted from fourth to third after his compatriot Jasper Philipsen was demoted.

At an average speed of 50.91kph, it was the fastest ever road stage in the 113 editions of the Tour.

“It means everything, it’s my biggest win so far,” said the 26-year-old who was second in the seventh stage to Bordeaux and last year won the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad one-day classic.

“When I came here, I knew that there are two or three guys that are faster than me, but if I’m lucky and I have a good sprint like today, then it’s possible.

“Sometimes I have really good confidence and I believe in myself, but there’s many, many times where I feel super tired and it’s impossible to win here.”